The toon managed to score best-ever local openings for Fox in Mexico and Brazil, with $13.9 million and $6.9 million, respectively. Pic’s opening in France, at $12.5 million, ranks as that country’s top bow for 2012, beating “The Avengers” ($11.8 million).

Other top territories for “Continental Drift” included Australia, which contributed $6.4 million, and the U.K., where the toon earned $4.8 million from previews only. Fox will open the pic in Blighty day-and-date with the U.S. the weekend of July 13.

It’s not surprising “Continental Drift” started well overseas: The franchise’s three previous installments all have overperformed internationally.

Fox expands “Ice Age” to an additional 16 markets — or 29 countries, including Russia — day-and-date with the U.S. during the weekend of July 13.

Sony’s “The Amazing Spider-Man,” meanwhile, grossed $51.1 million from 13 international debut markets, mostly throughout Asia (except China, where no foreign films are allowed for the next 30 days, the usual custom taken by the government in July). In South Korea, “Spider-Man” earned $10.9 million, representing 73% of the country’s local marketshare. Japan contributed $7.4 million, followed by India, with $6 million.

“Spider-Man’s” second frame will tell its tale internationally, as it expands to virtually all other territories.